Smith County Jail study finds 'dramatic' increase in turnover, overtime, inmate population

TYLER, Texas (KLTV) - A study of the Smith County Jail reveals a dramatic rise in employee turnover, excessive amounts of overtime, and an escalating inmate population. Most of the findings in a consulting group's review of the jail came as no surprise to Sheriff Larry Smith. 1 had a little concern in waiting for this staffing study to come back,' said Smith. 'But the study came back and at least 85 to 90% is what I've been saying in this court for the last 10 years. They proved it.' The consultants were brought in last year under the direction of former Smith County Judge Nathaniel Moran. Among the problems consultants found: an increasing jail population with no signs of slowing down. They recommended conducting an assessment to see if more inmates could be released from jail while awaiting trial.